HB 5023

Abstract

Amends the State Finance Act. Eliminates a provision providing that unexpended grant funds for I-SEARCH Units shall be deposited into the Missing and Exploited Children Trust Fund. Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Provides that the Department of Children and Family Services shall report the disappearance of any child under its custody or guardianship to the local law enforcement agency working in cooperation with the State Missing Persons Clearinghouse (rather than the I-SEARCH Unit located nearest the last known whereabouts of the child. Amends the Intergovernmental Missing Child Recovery Act of 1984. Eliminates the I-SEARCH Unit and corresponding programs and instead provides that the Department of State Police shall establish a State Missing Persons Clearinghouse as a resource to promote an immediate and effective community response to missing children. Requires the State Missing Persons Clearinghouse to establish and maintain contacts with other state missing persons clearinghouses and missing persons non-profit organizations. Requires the Director of the Department to report by June 30 (rather than December 31) of each year to the Governor and the General Assembly on the operations of the State Missing Persons Clearinghouse (rather than I-SEARCH program) for the previous calendar (rather than fiscal) year. Repeals a provision concerning an I-SEARCH program's eligibility to receive State grants to help defray the costs of operation. Repeals a provision requiring the Department to monitor operations of all I-SEARCH Units and determine the program's eligibility to receive State grants. Effective January 1, 2013.